What is IPEMA?

IPEMA, Innovative Approaches for Pork Production with Entire Males is a COST action (CA 15215) supported by the European Union.

The aim of the COST action IPEMA is to find general, region-specific or chain-specific solutions to facilitate the development of ALTERNATIVES TO SURGICAL CASTRATION OF PIGLETS:

Raising entire males

Immunocastration.

We are looking for integrated solutions taking into account Meat quality (Boar taint and other meat quality issues), Animal welfare, Management and production costs, Acceptance by stakeholders, consumers and citizens.

Our overall objectives are

To coordinate research to increase efficiency

To fill knowledge gaps between different areas in Europe as well as between science and stakeholders

IPEMA organises a training school on detection of boar taintin Monells (Girona; Spain) on 8-10 October 2018. Registration is free. IPEMA can financially support up to 12 trainees for their travel and accommodation expenses.

IPEMA will co-organise a full day symposium on Monday 27th August 2018, within the programme of the 69th Annual meeting of the EAAP in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Free webinar: Will the EU manage to phase out surgical castration of pigs? Date and time: Monday 9th of July 2018, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. CET

Content: The deadlines of January 1st, 2012, and of 2018 of the “European Declaration on alternatives to surgical castration of pigs” are far from being met and there is a lack of consensus on the animal welfare implications and the feasibility of the alternatives to surgical castration without analgesia/anaesthesia. Although countries using analgesia/anaesthesia routinely find this method practical and effective, only few countries seem to aim at meeting the deadline to phase out surgical castration completely. A recent survey from the FVE pointed out those important issues that will be discussed during the webinar.